This Trans Am is reported to be very well-cared-for and remains in nice condition from diligence with routine proper care and maintenance. One of approximately 1,500 built, this 20th Anniversary Trans Am Turbo also was built to commemorate a similar Firebird being utilized as the Pace Car for the 1989 Indianapolis 500. The Firebird is accented by discreet “Turbo” badges and Indianapolis Motor Speedway “Wing and Wheel” badges low on the bodywork behind the front wheels. This particular car also has approximately 24,000 actual miles.

Originally conceived by Bill Owen of Pontiac, this project was outsourced to PAS, Inc., an engineering firm led by Jeff Beitzel, who along with his team did the majority of the development work. The engines were built by PAS and then sent to the GM plant in Van Nuys, California to be installed into GTA’s on the F-Body assembly line, then returned to PAS for final assembly, testing and quality control.

The car differed little externally from the standard top level GTA; however, its many internal differences pack a powerful punch; a turbocharged, intercooled and fuel-injected 3.8-liter V-6 engine from the Buick GNX and backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. Additional mechanical features consist of independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar, live rear axle with trailing links with torque arm and Panhard rod, plus 1LE racing brake package featuring four-wheel disc brakes that are upgrades with 12-inch front police-spec rotors, Corvette twin-piston aluminum calipers and semi-metallic pads. Convenience equipment includes air conditioning, tilt wheel, cruise control; power windows, door locks, steering and brakes. The Trans Am also has glass T-tops and factory lace-style gold wheels. This example also comes with its original radio along with the installed aftermarket CD, covers for the T-tops, owner’s manual and its supplement.

With its sophisticated third generation Firebird platform, WS6 suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, the 20th Anniversary Edition Trans Am also offers outstanding handling and braking to match its straight-line capabilities. This car is an extremely well-preserved version of, what was at the time, the fastest Firebird yet factory produced, and also regarded as the fastest American production car in 1989.